Media Statement
19 January 2024
Deputy President Mashatile to welcome the Duke of Edinburgh on a Working Visit to South Africa
His Excellency Deputy President Paul Mashatile will on Tuesday, 23 January 2024 welcome His Royal Highness Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh, on a courtesy call at the OR Tambo Official Residence in Pretoria.
The Duke of Edinburgh is on a Working Visit to South Africa on 22 and 23 January 2024.
The visit follows the successful State Visit that His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa undertook to the United Kingdom in 2022 at the invitation of King Charles III.
The visit is also indicative of the strong bilateral relationship that the United Kingdom and South Africa share.
During his visit, His Royal Highness will meet stakeholders from WWF South Africa, Endangered Wildlife Trust, GreenMatterZA, TRAFFIC, International Union for Conservation of Nature, Birdlife, and Conservation South Africa.
Prince Edward will also meet the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment, Ms Barbara Creecy; for a tour of the Pretoria National Botanical Garden and will be accompanied on the tour by the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) CEO, Mr Shonisani Munzhedi.
This follows President Ramaphosa’s visit to the Royal Botanical Garden, Kew, in November 2022 and will mark the long-term collaboration between Kew and SANBI to ensure the survival of South Africa’s rich plant diversity.
The Duke will also meet the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Dr Blade Nzimande; at a dinner marking the deep partnership between South Africa and the United Kingdom in the field of Science and Innovation.
In addition, the Duke of Edinburgh will meet awardees of the President’s Awards, the international arm of the Duke of Edinburgh Awards, of which President Ramaphosa is a Patron. Both countries share a strong commitment to youth empowerment.
During the courtesy call, Deputy President Mashatile will also hold discussions with the Duke and his delegation on key areas of importance in the bilateral relationship between South Africa and the United Kingdom.
Media Enquiries: Mr Vukani Mde, Spokesperson to the Deputy President on 081 307 9233
Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria